WEEK END WITH THE TAIZE COMMUNITY

After experiencing a few Taize prayers in our services and using a few myself and hearing much about them, the day had arrived to visit and experience the Taize community and spend a weekend with them.

The Taize community was started by Br. Roger from the Reformed church, who in 1940, traveled from Geneva on a bicycle, in search for a place to be purchased. It is in the village of Taize that he found an old house which he purchased, and began by showing hospitality to the refugees of the war. Today this is a community which welcomes young people, which shows hospitality, has it's presence around the globe and is on a Pilgrimage of Trust. 

Prayer around the cross. Photo credit, Park

The Brothers of this community live by their work and also spend time in prayer. They are from various denominations and countries and are celibate, which make them available to serve others at all times. Prayers in the Taize community is at the heart of daily life. Prayer are at 8.15 in the morning, 12.20 in the afternoon and 8.30 in the evening after which it is silence. Silence is very much present during the different prayers. 

To be able to participate in all three of these prayers was an experience that cannot be forgotten. On Friday evening it was prayer around the cross. At the end of the evening prayer a cross was placed in the center of the church and participants take turn in praying around it. It is said that during the summer when it is filled with young people, this prayer could go on till as late as 2.00am. Praying at the cross is not about praying with mind and words but also about praying with body too. This time of prayer was a strengthening of my faith, for when faith is strengthened you are firmly reminded over and over again of the experiences of the power of the cross and it increase your ability to trust in Jesus who gave his life on that cross. for a person who believes a lot in prayer and experiences God answer prayer in some of the most mysterious ways, this moment was very touching.

Saturday evening prayer was the celebration of the light of resurrection. Prayers at Taize are  one or two lined songs which are sung repeatedly many times. These prayers in the church is an experience of it's own.  The solemnity of these prayers, the music, the harmony and the tone of voice of the those singing adding to it the aesthetics of the chapel makes you forget all that is around and experience the presence of God. At the celebration of the light of resurrection, children brought the light from which each one lit their candle and passed the light to the other. As the light was received by everyone and the church lit up and as I stood at the end of the prayer looking to the flames of the many small candles in the sanctuary my mind wondered to a world where every Christian burns as a light, making God's world a better place for all to live in.

The wood - a place of silence

The evening prayer on Saturday was also an opportunity to see one of the Brothers enter a period of preparation. During this ceremony the words spoken to him by Br. Alois, the Prior of Taize, "do not be afraid I am with you" the words of Jesus, and "the risen Christ loves you" were words of encouragement and strength to me too as I was reminded of my calling to serve as a priest. However much struggles and challenges we may face in Priesthood we are assured that Jesus loves us and is with us and will see us through the ministry he has called us to be part of. 

The village church

During our time at Taize we also participated in a bible reflection and sharing. This is part of the programme of the Taize community. As we discussed the the passage of Mary's encounter with the risen Jesus, it was about new beginnings and new life and the importance of claiming Christ's presence. The discussion that followed was even more helpful as each shared their thoughts and experiences, which gave an opportunity to understand each and everyone, how they understand the bible and also to hear about some of the challenges some would face in their communities.

Saturday evening was spent with Br. Richard once again, to hear and understand more about the work of the Taize community here and its presence around the world, and to meet with the Prior, Br. Alois for some refreshments, and thereafter to meet regionally with the brothers from our respective regions. Taize is a place where young people from around the world come and work as volunteers and join in the weekly meetings. Seeing the number of young people who visit Taize, especially during the summer and the experiences they have, the words of Br. Alois, "with all these young people we don't have to be afraid of the future of the church" definitely gives hope for the future.

Taize is also about a simple lifestyle and sharing in the work. Basic food and living areas, and common toilets were a reminder of my second year off campus and third year village exposure during my days at Theological Seminary in India. It was a change from the luxuries of Bossey. However it helps to touch base with reality, as there are many people in the world; refugees, those living on the streets, displaced, etc who would not have even the luxury of Taize.  Just as all who stay at Taize would do, we too were involved with a little community cleaning. 

On Sunday we participated in the Eucharist which is conducted by the the Roman Catholic priest from the neighboring church. In his sermon the priest said the that the words of the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled in Jesus. Even in a not so good world men and women and children are seeing beautiful things. Deaf ears are hearing. The pilgrimage of truth, hospitality and praying together continues. Our stay came to an end, with lunch with the Brothers.

The grave of Br. Roger who was killed. 

This weekend has been a time of reflection, refreshment and renewal and to spend some time of silence in the church and also a time to continue my prayers for St. Marks seeking God's guidance and direction as we look to the future once I return in February. The process of reconciliation following the killing of Br. Roger emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and living counter to the world and this process I believe will help as I return back to St. Marks. If there was something I missed I would say more "silence". 

This weekend, a change of environment, living conditions and food; a break from life at Bossey has been an opportunity to be thankful to God for all his goodness, his care and protection and his loving embrace and to experience another spirituality.

What more can I say at the end of a new experience, other than "Laudate omni gentes, Laudate Dominum" (Sing praises all ye peoples, sing praises to the Lord).